System and method for sharing user content through a set-top box

ABSTRACT

The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer readable medium, and method for recording and distributing video content based on DRM parameters. For example, in one embodiment, a set-top box is disclosed that includes a processor for executing a set of instructions. The set-top box also includes memory in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to execute the set of instructions to receive user input to record a video content; determine DRM parameters associated with the video content, wherein the DRM parameters are established by at least of a content owner and a communications service provider, the DRM parameters indicating designated portions of the video content that is recordable; and record the video content based on the DRM parameters.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/475,158 filed on May 29, 2009 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARINGUSER CONTENT THROUGH A SET-TOP BOX the entire teachings of which areincorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The use of and development of communications has grown nearlyexponentially in recent years. The growth is fueled by larger networkswith more reliable protocols and better communications hardwareavailable to service providers and consumers. In many cases, socialnetworking websites that share user posted content are being utilized byincreasing numbers of user. Many communications and entertainmentsystems are growing together as people expect services that are moreintuitive and integrated with their day-to-day life. Some systems,devices, features, and services have not kept pace as well with thegrowth experienced by sections of the communications industry.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a system and method for managing video contentthrough a set-top box. User input may be received to record the videocontent to a set-top box. Digital rights management parametersassociated with the set-top box may be determined. The video content maybe recorded directly to the set-top box in response to the DRMparameters. The video content may be edited based on selections by auser in response to receiving a selection to edit the video content.Preferences for distributing the video content may be determined. Thevideo content may be distributed from the set-top box to a number ofaddresses in response to the preferences.

Another embodiment provides a set-top box for managing video content.The set-top box includes a processor for executing a set ofinstructions. The set-top box also includes memory in communication withthe processor. The processor is configured to execute the set ofinstructions to receive user input to record a video content; determineDRM parameters associated with the video content, wherein the DRMparameters are established by at least of a content owner and acommunications service provider, the DRM parameters indicatingdesignated portions of the video content that is recordable; and recordthe video content based on the DRM parameters.

Yet another embodiment provides a non-transitory computer readablemedium comprising computer executable instructions that when executedcauses one or more machines to perform operations comprising forrecording and distributing video content based on DRM parameters.

The above described embodiments are provided merely as a general summaryof particular embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein and are notintended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the claimedinventions. Additional embodiments, advantages, and novel features areset forth in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a set-top box in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of process for recording video content to aset-top box in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of process for distributing video content to aset-top box utilizing DRM in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;and

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user interface for aset-top box in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a systemand method for sharing user content utilizing a set-top box. The usercontent may include video content or clips recorded by the set-top boxor by the user. The video content is all or a portion of media contentdisplayable to the set-top box. The video content may include televisionprograms, Internet content, satellite content, cable content, movies,slide shows, presentations, and other similar media elements. Theset-top box may distribute the video content automatically based onpre-configured user preferences and settings or based on specificselections and designations. As a result, the user may share and managevideo content without accessing multiple devices.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications system 100 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The communication system 100of FIG. 1 includes various elements used for wireless and wiredcommunication. In one embodiment, the communication system 100 mayinclude a communications management system 104, digital rightsmanagement (DRM) logic, a communications network 106, a wireless device108, the Internet 110, a set-top box 112, a television 114, a phone 116,a client device 118 including a graphical user interface 120, asatellite 122, and a remote control 124.

Communications within the communications system 100 may occur on anynumber of networks which may include wireless networks, data or packetnetworks, cable networks, satellite networks, private networks, andpublicly switched telephone networks (PSTN), herein represented by thecommunications network 106. The networks of the communications system100 may represent a single communication service provider or multiplecommunications services providers. The features of the embodiments maybe implemented by one or more elements of the communications system 100independently or as a networked implementation.

The communications system 100 may further include any number of hardwareand software elements that may not be shown in the example of FIG. 1.For example, the communications system 100 may include exchanges,switches, antennas, towers, switching centers, routers, applicationservers, media servers, service brokers, call agents, edge routers,gateways (signaling, trunking, access, sub, etc.), IP network serviceproviders, adapters, exchanges, switches, users, and networks.

The television 114 is one embodiment of a display. The display is adevice for displaying visual or tactile information. The display mayalso be a computer monitor, projector, Braille pad, or other similardevice, system or equipment suitable for displaying content. Thetelevision 114 may be any number of display devices for displayinganalog or digital content in any available standard or high definitionformats. As shown, the television 114 may be integrated with orincorporate the set-top box 112 or may be networked to the set-top box112, as further shown in FIG. 1.

The set-top box 112 is a device for receiving, converting, formatting,and sending the image and sound of media content to one or moreassociated displays. The broadcast may be communicated by the set-topbox 114 utilizing any number of connection types, signals, and formats,such as HDMI, coaxial, digital, RCA connectors, analog, compressed,WiFi, and so forth. In one embodiment, the set-top box 112 may be amedia receiver, digital or personal video recorder, a gaming device(i.e., devices manufactured by Nintendo®, Microsoft®, and Sony®).Content may be streamed to the television 114 through the communicationsnetwork 1106 or through another data connection. The television 114 mayreceive and process content from a plain old telephone service (POTS)line, cable, satellite, fiber optic, DSL, Internet Protocol television,or other communications medium.

In one embodiment, the set-top box 112 may also be connected to a voicecommunications line through the communications network 106. Thedifferent elements and components of the communications system 100 maycommunicate using wireless communications including satelliteconnections and/or hardwired connections, such as fiber optics, T1,cable, DSL, high speed trunks, and telephone lines.

The voice communications line may be a POTS or VoIP line. The set-topbox 112 may be directly connected to the voice communications line ormay indirectly be connected through a wireless connection with the phone116. As a result, the set-top box 112 acts as a locally accessible andmanaged device. In another embodiment, the set-top box 112 may benetworked to communicate with the communications network 106 and theInternet 110.

The communications management system 104 is one or more devices utilizedto enable, initiate, route, and manage communications between one, ormore media, network, computing, or other communications devices. Thecommunications management system 104 may include one, or more devices orsystems networked to manage or control all or portions of thecommunications network 106 and Internet 110. For example, thecommunications management system 104 may include any number of servers,routers, switches, or advanced intelligent devices. The communicationsnetwork 106 sends and receives the electronic signals through any numberof transmission mediums. In one embodiment, the communicationsmanagement system 104 and the communications network 106 or Internet 110may implement streaming media, such as VoIP and Internet protocoltelevision. The Internet 110 may also be any number of networks suitablefor packet or data communications.

The DRM logic 105 is logic that manages access and utilization of mediacontent. In one embodiment, the DRM logic 105 may include controls andlimiters for sampling or recording media content utilizing the set-topbox 112. In particular, the DRM logic 105 may include DRM parametersthat impose limitations on the utilization, management, access, anddistribution of media content. For example, the DRM logic 105 maystipulate that four thirty second snippets from any portion of atelevision program may be sampled for sharing with social networkingsites or communication to contacts or other users. In one embodiment,the DRM logic 105 may require that the snippet include a link or accessto the original television program as a way of marketing the originalprogramming to increase viewership and advertising revenues.

In one embodiment, the television 114, set-top box 112, home telephone116, and client device 118 may communicate with one another through aninternal wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Ethernet, or powerlinecommunications. Similarly, each of the aforementioned devices maycommunicate with external devices, systems, set-top boxes and usersthrough the Internet 110 or through the communications network 106.

The communications management system 104 and may include a portal, webpage, or other access point for interfacing with the set-top box 112, auser, or a device A portal may be a web site that functions as a centralpoint of access to information on the Internet or an intranet. Theportal may be accessed from any computing or communications system ordevice enabled to communicate through a network connection. For example,the portal may be accessed through the Internet 110 by the set-top box112 in order to interface with the DRM logic 105 to determine thedigital rights management rules, logic, or provisions that governsampling, storing, or recording content from a content provider. Theportal or the server may be accessed using any number of devices, suchas the wireless device 108, the client device 118, or the set-top box112 in order to specify the preferences for recording, storing, anddistributing the video content.

The elements of the communications system 100 may communicate using asignal control protocol, such as a signaling system number 7 (SS7)protocol. The SS7 protocol or similar protocols are used in publiclyswitched networks for establishing connections between switches,performing out-of-band signaling in support of the call-establishment,billing, routing, and implementing information-exchange functions of apublicly switched network or the communications network

The wireless device 108 may communicate with and the communicationssystem may include one or more transmission towers, exchanges, mobileswitching centers, central offices, servers, advanced intelligentnetwork devices, or other communications equipment using communicationsprotocols, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), code divisionmultiple access (CDMA), global systems for mobile (GSM) communications,personal communications systems (PCS), WLAN, WiMAX, or other frequentlyused cellular and data communications protocols and standards. Thewireless devices 108 may include cellular phones, Blackberry®, personaldigital assistances (PDA), mp3 players, laptops, evolution dataoptimized (EDO) cards, multi-mode devices, and other wirelesscommunication devices and elements. Although described for the set-topbox directly, the set-top box may similarly be controlled by thewireless device 108 remote control 124, the client 118, or from anotherdevice displaying the graphical user interface.

The graphical user interface 120 is an interface for allowing the userto interact with the devices and elements of the communication system100. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface 120 is a recordingand editing application utilized by the set-top box 112 for displayingdata, information, images, and other content to the user and receivinguser input and feedback. For example, utilizing the graphical userinterface 120 displayed to any of the aforementioned devices, the usermay be able to specify how and when media content is recorded, edited,and distributed to the television 114. The user may also specify how thevideo content may be managed through the remote control 124 or throughthe other communications devices as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment,the video content may be generated in response to a request orcommunication from another user or device.

In another embodiment, the communications management system 104 maycommunicate with a number of set-top boxes. The set-top boxes mayreceive service through a single communications service provider orthrough multiple communications service providers. The set-top box 112or portal may store access information that allows the wireless device108 or communications management system 104 to access and manage theset-top box 112. The access information may include an access number,account number, password, pin number, phone number or other information,data, or identifiers that may be required to access the set-top box 112.

Commands that are given by the user visually, verbally, tactilely, orelectronically utilizing the television 114 and remote control 124 maybe converted to key sequences, verbal commands, or other command formatsthat may be implemented by the set-top box 112 The set-top box 112controls the audio and video content displayed or played by thetelevision 114. In one embodiment, the satellite 122 may receive contentthat the set-top box 112 formats, decrypts or otherwise, processes fordisplay on the television 114. The set-top box 112 may also receivemedia content through the Internet 110 or through the communicationsnetwork 106. In response to a user selection a menu or interface may bedisplayed for recording or sampling video content.

In one embodiment, the set-top box 112 may utilize the portal to accesscontacts, or information that is stored in one or more address books. Inone embodiment, the portal may compile contact information in a globaldirectory for all contacts included in email, voicemail, social,networking, chat, and other accounts for contacts of the user.

The interface may require that a user provide a password or other passcode in order to access one or more accounts of the set-top box. Inaddition, the interface to the set-top box system, which may be thegraphical user interface 120, may allow the user to select an avatar,picture, user name or other information associated with any distributedvideo content. The user may utilize the graphical user interface 120displayed on the television 114 or client 118 to easily determine whichmedia content to review, playback, or distribute from the set-top box.

The set-top box 112 may be a digital video recorder, satellite 122transceiver, cable box or other device utilized for processing signalsfor display by the television 114. The set-top box 112 may similarlyallow editing, and control of recording and playback. For example, theset-top box 112 may allow media content to be rewound, slowed, fastforwarded, changed to a different pitch, enhanced, filtered, orotherwise controlled.

In another embodiment, the set-top box 112, communications managementsystem 104, or DRM logic 105 may include one or more databases forstoring user preferences, DRM permissions, rules, and specifications,and other parameters that govern recording of video content bothoriginal material recorded by a user and media content sampled by auser.

The set-top box may include one or more partitions that may be dedicatedto different users. Each partition may have an authentication space. Theauthentication space may be authentication logic for one or more users.For example, the authentication space may authorize the user to setpreferences, implement changes, review information, or perform otherupdates. For example, a user may be first required to provide a secureidentifier, such as a user name, password, or other authentication codeor hardware interface, to verify the user is authorized to record anddistribute media content.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a set-top box 200 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The set-top box 200 is a particularimplementation of the set-top box of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, theset-top box 200 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, userpreferences 206, permissions 208, user content 210, logic 212, a userinterface 214, a camera 216, a network interface 218, and DVR andreceiver hardware and software 220.

The processor 202 is circuitry or logic enabled to control execution ofa set of instructions. The processor 202 may be a microprocessor,digital signal processor, central processing unit, or other devicesuitable for controlling an electronic device including one or morehardware and software elements, executing software, instructions,programs, and applications, converting and processing signals andinformation, and performing other related tasks. The processor 202 maybe a single chip or integrated with other computing or communicationselements.

The memory 204 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data for subsequent retrieval or access at a latertime. The memory 204 may be static or dynamic memory 204. The memory 204may include a hard disk, random access memory, cache, removable mediadrive, mass storage, or configuration suitable as storage for data,instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the memory 204 andprocessor 202 may be integrated. The memory 304 may use any type ofvolatile or non-volatile storage techniques and mediums.

The memory 204 may store messages recorded on the set-top box or digitalvideo recorder (DVR). In one embodiment, the memory 204 is integratedwith the DVR and receiver hardware and software 220. In one embodiment,the memory 204 may be partitioned for utilization by the DVR andreceiver hardware and software 220 as well as other components of theset-top box 200. The set-top box 200 may include any number of computingand telecommunications components not specifically described herein forpurposes of simplicity, such devices or elements may include busses,motherboards, circuits, ports, interfaces, cards, converters, adapters,connections, transceivers, displays, antennas, and other similarcomponents.

The user preferences 206 are settings, criteria, and parameterscontrolling the media and communications features of the set-top box200. In one embodiment, the user preferences may control sampling anddistribution of the media content based on feedback and selections by auser. For example, the user preferences may store settings for sharevideo content. For example, the user preferences may compile historicalinformation for sharing video content and may present the most commonlyutilized settings for sharing the video content when video content isrecorded or may be recorded. In one embodiment, the user preferences 206may store a number of different user profiles. The user preferences 206may store contact lists, preferred social networking sites and accessinformation including usernames and passwords, and other similardetails, information and settings.

The permissions 208 are the parameters that locally govern themanagement and utilization of video content. In on embodiment, a numberof users may utilize the set-top box 200 and as a result the permissionsmay set limits and parameters that locally govern utilization of theset-top box. For example, the permissions 208 may establish ratinglevels associated with media content that users of the set-top box 200may store and communicate to other destinations. The permissions 208 mayalso set times of day that the media content may be shared, such asbetween 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The user content 210 stores content generated by the user. The usercontent 210 may also store preferences governing utilization of userrecorded content. In one embodiment, video content may be associatedwith a user response that may also respond to the video content. Theuser content and video content may be linked or integrated for sendingthe content as a single video clip. The example, the user recordedportion may paraphrase why the user thinks the content is important,provide commentary or background information, establish a message to oneor more other individuals, and provide other forms of creativecommunication. In another embodiment, the user content may be utilizedas a voice over for the video content. The video content may be sent ina media content format or may be sent as a link that may be accessiblefrom the set-top box.

The user interface 214 is an audio, visual, or tactile interface fordisplaying images, data, text, and information to a user. The userinterface 214 may generate a graphical user interface for communicationto one or more interconnected displays. The user interface 214 may alsobe any number of buttons, scroll wheels, screens, touch interfaces, orother elements for receiving and outputting information to a user. Inone embodiment, the user interface 214 may provide an interface forreceiving input from a remote control, such as a Bluetooth or infraredremote control. The user interface 214 may also include a keyboard, atouch screen, a Braille interface, speakers, a microphone, and othersimilar input and output devices.

The camera 216 is an image capture device. The images may include stilland video images that may be retrieved and stored in the memory 204 orcommunicated directly to one or more other users. In one embodiment, thecamera 216 may be integrated with the set-top box 200. In anotherembodiment, the camera may be externally linked utilizing any number ofwireless or wired connections, such as a high definition media interface(HDMI), USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi connection. In particular, the camera216 may capture the user content 210 for storage.

The digital video recorder and receiver hardware and software 220 arethe hardware and software elements that allow the set-top box tofunction as a DVR and as a receiver. In one embodiment, the DVR andreceiver hardware and software 220 may include logical elements forconverting signals into content that may be displayed to the televisionor other display. The DVR and receiver hardware and software 220 mayalso incorporate network interface elements for communicating with thecommunications network 222 which may include a satellite, cable, DSL,IPTV, or other networks. For example, the incoming content may bedecoded and reformatted for display on a high-definition television. Forexample, the DVR and receiver hardware and software 220 may format thesatellite signals for display to the user and similarly, may function todisplay a message icon at the same time the standard content isdisplayed to the user.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of process for recording video content to aset-top box in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The processof FIG. 3 may be implemented by a set-top box. In addition, any numberof peripheral devices operable to communicate with the set-top box mayalso be utilized. For example, the set-top box may receive user input,feedback, instructions and commands through one or more remote controldevices. In another embodiment, the set-top box may be controlledutilizing a web portal configured to interface with the set-top boxthrough one or more communications networks and connections. Similarly,any number of remote access technologies or connections may be utilizedto receive user input for controlling the set-top box as hereindescribed.

In one embodiment, the process of FIG. 3 may begin by receiving userinput to record video content (step 302). The user input may be anelectronic signal received through an infrared or Bluetooth remote, avoice command selection of one or more buttons or interfaces associatedwith the set-top box, or other input provided by the user and receivedby the set-top box.

In one embodiment, the video content is a portion of programming orimmediate content being displayed to the set-top box. For example, thevideo content may include a scene from a movie, user produced slideshow, music track, internet search result or playback or other mediacontent displayable to the set-top box. In one embodiment, the set-topbox determines whether recording video content is allowed based on thecontent owner, communication service provider, and type of content beingdisplayed to the set-top box. One embodiment of such a determination isfurther described in the process of FIG. 4. For example, anadministrator, such as a parent may establish preferences based onrating and time of day in addition to DRM logic or parameters that mayindicate what other household members may share utilizing the set-topbox.

Next, the set-top box determines whether to set preferences now or later(step 304). The determination of step 304 may be implemented based onuser feedback, previous configurations of the set-top box or based on aresponse of a user to a prompt generated by the set-top box. Forexample, the prompt may request that the user indicate whether to setpreferences before or after recording the video content.

If the set-top box determines to set preferences now, the set-top boxreceives the preferences for distribution of the video content (step306). The set-top box may provide an interactive interface for selectinghow the video content is to be distributed. In one embodiment, theset-top box may display one or more distribution methods including textmessaging, e-mail, posting to a website or social networking location,making a link accessible to one or more users as stored on the set-topbox, instant messaging and any a number of other communications. Thepreferences may also specify one or more individual groups ororganizational contacts for communicating the video content.

Next, the set-top box records the video content (step 308). The videocontent may be recorded by selecting a start and a stop time in realtime or after the fact. In one embodiment, the set-top box includes apersonal or digital video recorder (DVR) that may be utilized to record,queue or buffer media content. In another embodiment, the set-top boxmay receive user interaction through a mobile wireless device such as acell phone that communicates with the set-top box directly or throughone or more communications networks.

Next, the set-top box performs editing for the video content based onuser selections (step 310). The user may access a video editingapplication interface, logic or hardware configured to edit the videocontent recorded in step 308. In one embodiment, the utilization orediting of the video content may also be based on permission, rules,laws or other controlling permission established for the video content.For example, while some movie directors and producers may allow users torecord clips of less than 30 seconds of their movies they may not allowany editing of the sampled content. For example, the user may be able toedit the video content to remove foul language, utilize pixilated boxesfor nudity, cut sections of the video content, crop the video content,remove poor image effects, adjust the lighting and otherwise edit thevideo content utilizing processes, steps and methods known in the art.

Next, the set-top box distributes the video content based on thepreferences (step 312). If the set-top box determines to set preferenceslater in step 304, the processes of steps 306, 308 and 310 are performedin a differing order. For example, step 314 may correspond to step 308,step 316 may correspond to step 310 and step 318 may correspond to step306.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of process for distributing video content to aset-top box utilizing DRM in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The process of FIG. 4 may also be implemented by a set-top box. In oneembodiment, the set-top box may interact with a service provider ordigital rights management logic of one or more parties which may includecontent owners, service providers, and others. For example, the processof FIG. 4 may be utilized as a precondition to recording the videocontent as described in FIG. 3.

The process may begin with the set-top box determining whether videocontent is allowed (step 402). If the video content is not allowed instep 402 the process may end and the user may be unable to record thevideo content. In one embodiment, the determination of step 402 may bemade based on permissions communicated within media content. Forexample, a television program streams to the set-top box of a user fordisplay on a television may include an encoded signal indicatingpermission and digital rights management rules, regulations,stipulations and other criteria. For example, the video content mayinclude an encoded signal or message that indicates a maximum of three45 second clips may be recorded from a television program.

In one embodiment, the allowed video content may correspond to currentcopyright laws indicating fair use. Some content owners may not beinclined to allow recording of the content and as a result the set-topbox may be prohibited from recording the content. If the set-top boxdetermines the video content is allowed in step 402 the set-top boxrecords the content based on digital rights management authorization(step 404). As previously described the DRM authorization may include anumber of clips or video content that may be recorded, a maximum size orlength, particular portions of the media content that may be recorded ornot. For example, explicit or adult content may not be subject to userrecording to ensure the privacy of individuals and exploitation of mediacontent.

The operation of the set-top box based on the DRM authorization mayallow service providers and content owners to feel more accepting ofshared video content. In some cases the video content as shared byindividual users may create interest or buzz about the media contentthat may encourage viewing or purchase of the media content and therebyfurther the content owner's business or agenda. Similarly, contentowners and service providers may broadly or explicitly limit the videocontent that may be sampled or shared with other users.

Next, the set-top box shares the content based on the DRM authorization(step 406). The content may be shared by distributing the content to oneor more users, social networking sites, blogs, micro-blogging accountsor other online or electronic resources.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user interface for aset-top box in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface 500. Thegraphical user interface 500 may include any number of buttons, menus,drop-down lists, selection elements, icons, fields, graphics or otherinteractive elements.

In one embodiment, the graphical user interface 500 may be utilized toreview the DRM authorizations or permissions utilized to distribute andshare video content as well as provide user input for settingpreferences for distributing the video content. In one embodiment, thegraphical user interface 500 may include sections 502, 504, 506 and 508.

In one embodiment, one or more user profiles may be accessible to aset-top box. The user profiles may specify what video content may berecorded according to limitations set by an administrator or masteruser. For example, a parent may establish the media content that a childmay share with friends or social networking sites. The user profile mayinclude limitations regarding rating, language and other informationthat may be determined utilizing closed captioning, speech recognitionor other similar technologies. As a result the user may be required tosign in utilizing a username and password as shown in section 502. Theindicators of section 504 may allow a user to set preferences fordistributing the video content before or after recording.

In another embodiment, the user may also establish whether editing thevideo content may be performed before distribution of the video content.For example, a user may select to review and shorten video contentbefore the video content is communicated to one or more other users.Section 506 may provide the user video content controls for recordingvideo content, playing back the video content, pausing, rewinding, fastforwarding and other control features commonly utilized to record videocontent. Section 506 may also include an icon or indicator allowing auser to edit the video content. Any number of video editing applicationsmay be launched or embedded within the graphical user interface 500 forutilization by the user.

Section 508 may display the video content that is or has been recorded.For example, section 508 may allow a user to label the video content,view information such as length, details, date recorded and distributionpreferences that are utilized to communicate the video content to one ormore users or groups, sites, servers or other elements. The videocontent may include previously recorded media content or video contentrecorded by the user itself. A content label for the video content maybe automatically retrieved from an associated name of the media contentor may be modified or added based on feedback from the user. Thepreferences may indicate how the media content is distributed. Forexample, the preferences may include a login and password utilized toupload video content to a Facebook page of the user.

In another embodiment, the video content may be e-mailed to a contactlist of friends as well as posted to a video distribution site such asYouTube under the user's account name. In another embodiment, theset-top box may be utilized to send a text or instant message with thevideo content or with a link to the video content for retrieval by any anumber of users.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for managing video content througha set-top box, the method comprising: receiving user input to record thevideo content to a set-top box; determining digital rights management(DRM) parameters associated with the set-top box, wherein the DRMparameters are established by a content owner or a communicationsservice provider and indicate at least whether the video content isrecordable for distribution by a user and a maximum length of selectedvideo content that is distributable, wherein the selected video contentcomprises of particular pre-specified portions of the video contentdesignated by the content owner or the communications service providerthat are recordable for distribution; and recording the video contentdirectly to the set-top box in response to the DRM parameters.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising editing the video content based onthe DRM parameters to generate the selected video content in response toreceiving a selection to edit the video content for distribution.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the user input is a response to an invitationfor a video response communicated to the set-top box.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising displaying an interface for editing thevideo content in response to the selections.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining preferences for distributing theselected video content; and distributing the selected video content fromthe set-top box to a plurality of addresses in response to thepreferences, wherein the addresses include one or more email addresses,websites, and media servers.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thepreferences are established prior to the recording and include a list ofcontacts of the user available through one or more social networkingsites.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein distributing further comprises:distributing a link for a secondary user to access the selected videocontent stored in the set-top box.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein theDRM parameters determines whether the selected video content isdistributable to a social network site.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising utilizing the DRM parameters to ensure that theselected video content is not further distributed by a secondary user.10. The method of claim 9, wherein the preferences are received as partof the user input, and wherein the preferences include permissions forthe secondary user to temporarily access the selected video content. 11.A set-top box for managing video content comprising: a processor forexecuting a set of instructions; a memory in communication with theprocessor, the processor configured to execute the set of instructionsto: receive user input to record a video content; determine DRMparameters associated with the video content, wherein the DRM parametersare established by at least of a content owner and a communicationsservice provider and indicate at least whether the video content isrecordable for distribution by a user and a maximum length of selectedvideo content that is distributable, wherein the selected video contentcomprises of particular pre- specified portions of the video contentdesignated by the content owner or the communications service providerthat are recordable for distribution; and record the video content basedon the DRM parameters.
 12. The set-top box of claim 11, furthercomprising a network interface, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to execute the set of instructions to communicate with aplurality of addresses for distributing the recording of the videocontent via the network interface.
 13. The set-top box of claim 12,wherein the set-top box distributes the recording of the video contentby sending a link for a secondary user to access the recording of thevideo content stored on a data storage component of the set-top box, andwherein the recording of the video content is streamed to the secondaryuser from the data storage component of the set-top box in response to aselection of the link.
 14. The set-top box of claim 11, furthercomprising: a camera in communication with the processor, the processorfurther configured to execute the set of instructions to record usercontent and integrate the user content into the recording of the videocontent.
 15. The set-top box of claim 11, wherein the DRM parameterscontrol recording and editing of the video content, and distribution ofthe recording of the video content from the set-top box.
 16. Anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer executableinstructions that when executed causes one or more machines to performoperations comprising: receiving user input to record a video content;determining DRM parameters associated with the video content, whereinthe DRM parameters are established by at least of a content owner and acommunications service provider and indicate at least whether the videocontent is recordable for distribution by a user and a maximum length ofselected video content that is distributable, wherein the selected videocontent comprises of particular pre- specified portions of the videocontent designated by the content owner or the communications serviceprovider that are recordable for distribution; and record the videocontent based on the DRM parameters.
 17. The computer readable medium ofclaim 16, further comprising computer executable instructions that whenexecuted causes the one or more machines to edit a recording of thevideo content based on the DRM parameters in response to receiving arequest to distribute the video content.
 18. The computer readablemedium of claim 16, further comprising computer executable instructionsthat when executed causes the one or more machines to distribute arecording of the video content by sending a link to a user to access therecording of the video content stored locally on the one or moremachines, and wherein the recording of the video content is streamed tothe user from the one or more machines in response to a selection of thelink.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the DRMparameters determines whether a recording of the video content isdistributable to a social network site.
 20. The computer readable mediumof claim 16, wherein the DRM parameters determines whether a recordingof the video content is distributable to a video sharing site.